The workshop began with a full-group meeting and free write exercise: “two five-minute sections to write anything we wanted, whether it was the same word over and over again or a detailed story.”
Although check-in day was a little awkward since no one knew anyone, Francis says he was able to quickly find friends, especially with his knowledge of Mandarin.
David says that his first week was “very rigorous and stress-inducing, but that does not distract from the enjoyment of achievement that it left me with after its completion.”
After settling in and meeting her two roommates, Isabella and friends toured the campus. “It felt like we all knew each other for years. I am excited for these bonds to grow and the adventures coming up,” Isabella says.
The students talk about their future educational plans and how GFF programs have shaped their career paths.
This group of high-achieving students is a tribute to Carbondale Community High School, Carterville High School, and Herrin High School, which provide them with such extraordinary structure close to home.